Assessment Status Notes

Based on the very small total population, Dermoloma magnicum is preliminary assessed as Endangered based on the criterion D1.

Taxonomic notes

Why suggested for a Global Red List Assessment?

Dermoloma magicum is a well-characterized agaric, easily separated from other Dermoloma species by the red, then black discolouration of the entire basidiocarp. It is only known from a few localities in Western Europe and it is growing in old, unimproved grasslands, a specialized and threatened type of habitat.

Geographic range

Western Europe

Population and Trends

At present Dermoloma magicum is known from 16 localities (5 in Germany, 2 in the Netherlands), each with very small populations, comprising 1-2 mycelia or individuals (Gminder et al., 2015). The extent of occurrence is larger than 40,000 km2, but the area of occupancy is less than 200 km2. The maximum number of localities (including undiscovered ones) is estimated at 50, the total number of individuals less than 200. The trend in the Netherlands is decreasing (not found since 1995). Elsewhere the trend is unknown, but it is expected that the species has decreased in the past in view of the strong decline of its habitat during the last 50 years.

Population Trend: Deteriorating

Habitat and Ecology

Dermoloma magicum occurs in unimproved, old meadows and hayfields on calcareous, loamy soil. It grows probably saprotrophic on soil components, but the way of life of Dermoloma has not yet been studied and clearified. It is usually found together with many other characteristic species of old, unimproved grasslands (Entoloma spp., Hygrocybe spp.; Arnolds, 2015).

Temperate GrasslandPastureland

Threats

Dermoloma magicum is threatened by habitat destruction, either by improvement of old, seminatural grassland for agriculture on an industrial scale (e.g. by fertilizer application), or on the other side by lack of management, leading to succession of grassland to forest. In addition increased nitrogen deposition is a threat to the species. It leads to increasing productivity of seminatural grasslands and causes loss of habitat quality.

Agro-industry farmingNutrient loads

Conservation Actions

Conservation of sites; management by grazing and mowing (removal of nutrients); reduction of nitrogen pollution in surrounding area

Site/area managementInternational level

Research needed

The species might be more distributed than known at present. For instance, it was only recenty discovered in Germany (Gminder et al., 2015). However, the species is well-characterized and therefore certainly very rare. For instance, it is not yet known from Scandinavia, where the fungi of unimproved grasslands have been intensively studied. Monitoring of populations would be useful for a better understanding of its biology and fluctuations.